Gag & Red Grouper: Florida Panhandle regulations & tips
Season status · as of Oct 24, 2026
| Waters | Status today | Next 7 days | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gag, Gulf state + federal waters | Closed Oct. 1, 2026 for the rest of 2026. 2027 dates aren't posted yet: check FWC. | Closed all week | FWC NOAA |
| Red grouper, Gulf state waters | Open year-round | Open all 7 days | FWC |
| Red grouper, Gulf federal waters | Open (partial closure starts Feb 1, 2027) | Open all 7 days | FWC |
Regulations
| Size | Gag: 24" TL minimum · Red grouper: 20" TL minimum |
| Bag limit | Gag: 2 per person · Red grouper: 2 per person (both inside the 4-grouper aggregate) |
- Gulf state waters run from shore to 9 miles; grouper rules here apply to state and federal Gulf waters unless noted.
- Charter captain and crew: zero gag bag limit; zero red grouper bag limit in state waters.
- Black, red, scamp, yellowfin and yellowmouth grouper are closed in federal waters seaward of the 20-fathom break Feb. 1–March 31.
- Reef fish gear rules apply.
- Fishing from a private boat? You need the free State Reef Fish Angler designation (on top of your license) for this species. FWC
Sources (checked Oct 24, 2026): FWC: Groupers (Gulf gag and red grouper); NOAA Fisheries: Fishing Regulations and Seasonal Closures in the Gulf of America; FWC: State Reef Fish Survey (State Reef Fish Angler designation); FWC: Reef Fish Gear Rules. If anything here disagrees with FWC or NOAA, the official page wins.
When they bite
Red grouper are open in state waters year-round; gag get a short federal-aligned season (Sept. 1–30 in 2026).
Where locally
Hard bottom, ledges and reefs offshore. Gag also show up on nearshore structure in cooler months, but check the season before you keep one.
Spots to try: Destin: East Pass & the harbor.
Gear basics
- Heavy conventional rod, 50–80 lb line or braid with a stout leader
- Circle hooks with natural bait (required)
- Live bait like pinfish or cigar minnows, or cut bait
- Descending device: many grouper come up from depth
Local tip: Grouper dive for the rocks. Lock the drag down and turn its head in the first few seconds.
The bite and location notes are general angler know-how, not a fishing report.
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